Negotiating Your Way Into Homeownership

When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. In order to do that, it’s important to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to the neighborhood and possibly even the street. Of course, when there are a limited number of homes for sale as is the case in our marketplace today, it is highly unlikely that a laundry list of demands can be successfully negotiated. The more operative word today would be flexibility. Here are some tactics every buyer should know before negotiations begin.

Be Prepared to Move Fast

When properties go on the market, they go very quickly, so if you’re in a competitive market, make your first offer your best offer. And if you take too many chances, you might strike out. Remember, there will always be people who want to make a lower offer, however, when they miss out on the first or second or third property, they learn their lessons.

Don’t Use Inspections for Renegotiation

If the inspection reveals major problems, it’s completely acceptable to ask for a credit. However, know you may not get it if the market is tight. These days, it’s unlikely that a seller will make significant repairs, and so it’s better to ask for a credit at closing in order to hire your own contractors. In some hot markets, in order to submit an offer with fewer contingencies, prospective buyers have an inspection done before making their offer.

Be Flexible with the Possession Date

As a homebuyer, a great tool for negotiation is to accommodate a seller's particular closing date. By catering to their needs, you're making them feel like they're in the driver's seat. You could have a “rent-back” agreement drawn up, where you rent the property back to the seller for a short period of time. This takes pressure off their move and may make your offer stand out against the competition. If possible, also make it clear that you can also be flexible with the dates of the Purchase and Sale signing.

In every real estate negotiation, buyers ask and sellers push back - because if you're the buyer and you don’t ask, you won’t get. While buyers want the best deal and sellers want the highest price, eventually the two will have to meet somewhere in the middle for the deal to close. Since a home is the largest asset most people will ever own and there’s usually a lot of cash at stake, negotiating is extremely important.

Working with a REALTOR® provides clients with peace-of-mind that they will be receiving both professional and ethical service during the home buying or selling process. Learn more about purchasing a home and find a REALTOR® to help by visiting Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® website, or calling 815-744-4520.

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Sources:

http://www.trarealtors.net/

https://www.houselogic.com/buy/how-to-buy-step-by-step/how-to-negotiate-an-offer/?sf187586507=1

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buyer-negotiation-tactics-that-backfire/

These 5 Tips Will Help Your Home Stand Out In A Crowded Market

The housing market is hot right now with lots of inventory and very motivated buyers. So if you’re putting your house up for sale, you have to make your home as attractive to buyers as possible, or they’ll simply move on to another house. Following these five tips will help you be more competitive in the market - moving your house more quickly and getting you the highest sale price possible.

Boost Curb Appeal

Pressure wash the siding and driveway to revitalize these surfaces. A clean exterior will signal to prospective buyers that your home was well-kept and that the interior is likely to be in great shape too.

If washing the siding isn’t doing enough to bring back the color, consider painting your home. While you’re at it, freshen up the trim, shudders, and entry door to make your home look like new again.

During the growing season, don’t forget to keep an eye out for overgrown trees and bushes as well. If you have sidewalks or paths that are partially blocked by any branches, think about trimming those back before house viewings.

Clear Out Clutter

Buyers will be turned off by excessive clutter and personal items. Removing larger furniture, decor, and family photos will make rooms look larger and it will be easier for those touring your home to envision their own items in that space.

Clean Everything Inside

Hiring a cleaning service is the fastest and easiest way to get your house sparkling. Simply call a local cleaner and ask for a move out cleaning. They’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t have the budget to hire cleaners, then you’ll need to clean each room (including the garage and basement) yourself. Vacuum floors, wash light fixtures, polish woodwork, and clean out all appliances to brighten and deodorize your house.

Make Needed Improvements

Whether you want to add a fresh coat of paint to the bedrooms, update the bathroom, or make repairs in the kitchen, now is the time to do it. Renovating before you sell will be a big draw to buyers who are looking for a turnkey home.

Get Your Home Inspected

A home inspector can point out any issues that need to be addressed before potential buyers visit. You can then make the repairs, or let buyers know exactly what needs work. Though a home inspector can run anywhere from $300 - $500, it’s a great way to show buyers that your house won’t give them any surprises.

Putting a little time and money into your house before you sell can make it more attractive to buyers. Showing your house in its best light will get it more attention and maybe even a higher selling price.

When you’re ready to sell your house, contact a realtor from the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® at 815-744-4520 or http://www.trarealtors.net.

Think about getting a home inspection before putting your home on the market

In a typical real estate transaction, it is the buyer who arranges and pays for the home inspection. However, it can be to a seller’s advantage to pay to have an inspection done prior to placing their home on the market. A pre-listing inspection can provide them with valuable information about the condition of their property and an idea of repairs that they may (or may not) wish to have done. This information can help in negotiating the sales price of the home as well as avoid having these repair issues surface down the road at a less opportune time.  

Is there any difference between a pre-listing inspection and a buyer’s inspection?

The only difference is who (seller or buyer) is having the inspection done and the point in time when the inspection occurs. The scope of the inspection, whether done pre-listing or after the sales price and terms have been agreed upon, will essentially be the same focusing primarily on proper functionality of all major systems and components of the house: heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, roof and structure, siding, doors, and windows.

Typically, how much does it cost for a pre-listing inspection?

The fee is usually the same as the buyer’s inspection, generally ranging from $350 to $500 for a qualified inspector who carries errors and omissions insurance. The price can vary based on location, square footage, age of the home, and any special conditions.

Why should a seller consider doing pre-listing inspection?

Keep in mind that whether a seller has a pre-listing inspection or not, the buyer may still choose to have their own inspection done. What a pre-listing inspection does is give the seller a chance to resolve any repair issues up front that are likely to surface in the buyer’s inspection or have them accounted for in the asking price. This not only places the seller in a better negotiating position but helps minimize the chance of having to deal with circumstances that may come up in the buyer’s inspection that is done after the sales price and terms have been negotiated.

What should the seller do if a pre-listing inspection uncovers major problems?

Generally, it is better to know about inspection issues early rather than to be blindsided at a later date. Once identified, they can be assessed for proper resolution. A seller shouldn’t automatically assume that everything needs to be fixed prior to placing the home on the market. A REALTOR® can advise them as to which repairs are likely to negatively affect the sale of their home.

If you’re looking for more information about buying or selling your home, Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® can help. Visit our website today to learn more and to find one of our members who can help you!